Mike Brandt’s client was charged with Possession of Child Pornography from an incident that was investigated by the FBI and other federal and local agencies from July, 2013. Upon the execution of a search warrant, numerous illegal files were located on the client’s computer that were illegal pornographic materials.
In preparation of the case, Mike had his client undergo an evaluation that indicated that he was particularly amenable to treatment and Mike also filed various motions attacking the charges, as well as the search warrant. Prior to the contested hearing, the prosecutor agreed to enter into a negotiation where Mike’s client pled guilty to one count of possession of child pornography with an agreement that there would be a stay of adjudication. This means that Mike’s client will never be convicted of the offense and, assuming that his client successfully completes probation, the charge against him will be dismissed. Because there is no conviction, Mike’s client can honestly say that he has never been convicted of the offense, he will not have to register as a predatory offender, and many of the collateral consequences that arise from a conviction will never affect Mike’s client.
The client was thrilled with the outcome and for a case that started out looking like he might to go prison for five to ten years, Mike’s client ended up being placed on probation for five years without a conviction on his record.
This is the type of result that can occur when there is a thorough understanding of the law, the facts of the case, and the client takes affirmative steps toward rehabilitation.